Hamilton buoyed by P2 progress

Lewis Hamilton admitted he was encouraged by Mercedes' progress in FP2 after setting the pace on Friday ahead of the Korean Grand Prix.

While Sebastian Vettel was dominant in Singapore, Hamilton was fastest in both practice sessions on Friday and showed strong pace on the long runs as well to suggest Mercedes can challenge Red Bull in Sunday's race. Hamilton admitted it had been a while since he felt so optimistic following Friday practice after Red Bull's recent form.

"It's been great, I'm very happy just with how the process has gone and the sessions have gone," Hamilton said. "This is the first time I've actually felt like the Friday P2 has gone well; at least that I can remember so hopefully that's a good sign. Nothing really [has changed], the day has just gone better."

Hamilton said the start would give Mercedes a strong platform to work from and hinted there was more to come from the car.

"It's been a good day. I'm very happy with the way everything's gone and we've got some improvements to make for sure set-up wise but we look like we're competitive. Like we were at the last race ... I definitely feel like I have a better foundation this weekend."

Following the Rugby Football Union's announcement on Sunday that England Sevens coach Ben Ryan is set to relinquish his role, various past, present and future England internationals have taken to Twitter to praise him